Also, like I said in that PM I sent you, a start up can exert huge strains on the relationships of company officials/owners when the stock drops and sits at rock bottom for an extended period of time. Everyone has expenses. They may not want to sell the shares they legally could sell just to pay the bills because they know that their stock will appreciate in value so much that they'll never have to worry about money again. If they sell while it's at the bottom they give it away. Could be best to hold your shares and find another means while you wait for the big payday. Could be a combination of several things. Hopefully they parted on good terms, but it is what it is.